In a landmark achievement for Sikkim’s cultural preservation and artisan empowerment, NABARD Sikkim Regional Office has played a pivotal role in securing Geographical Indication (GI) registration for two traditional Lepcha musical instruments of Sikkim. The initiative, implemented through the Human Welfare Association, Varanasi (with its Executive Director Padamshree Dr. Rajni Kant, who has become a known name in facilitating GI), aims to protect the rich heritage of the Lepcha tribe while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for artisans.

The instruments that have received GI recognition are the Sikkim Lepcha Tungbuk and the Sikkim Lepcha Panthong Palit (flute). The Tungbuk is a rare three‑stringed instrument crafted from indigenous wood and natural fibers. Traditionally played during Lepcha rituals and folk performances, it symbolizes harmony and spirituality in Lepcha culture. Its making requires exceptional craftsmanship, a skill passed down through generations.

The Panthong Palit, on the other hand, is a bamboo flute integral to Lepcha music and ceremonial traditions. Made from specific bamboo species found in Sikkim’s forests, this flute produces a distinctive tone that forms the soul of Lepcha folk melodies. The crafting process involves intricate carving and tuning techniques unique to the tribe.

The GI certificates for these instruments were formally presented during the 1st Tribal Business Conclave 2025 in New Delhi on 12 November 2025 in the presence of Union Ministers Shri Piyush Goyal and Shri Jual Oram. Applications for these instruments were facilitated by Mutanchi Lom Aal Shezum (MLAS), an NGO based in Dzongu, Mangan, with NABARD’s guidance and two years of support.

GI recognition is more than a legal safeguard; it is a cultural revival tool. It ensures that only authentic products crafted by Lepcha artisans carry the name, preventing misappropriation and promoting fair trade practices. For the Lepcha tribe, this recognition helps preserve endangered art forms and transmit traditional knowledge to younger generations.

For Sikkim and the North‑Eastern Region, this achievement is significant as it positions the region as a cultural hub for indigenous art forms, strengthens its identity in India’s craft economy, and opens doors for tourism, branding and export opportunities. It demonstrates how GI can be leveraged to protect intangible heritage while creating sustainable livelihoods in remote tribal areas.

Union Ministers lauded this achievement, emphasizing that GI recognition will strengthen tribal entrepreneurship and open access to national and international markets. NABARD officials reiterated that this initiative will not only preserve Sikkim’s cultural heritage but also empower local artisans through post‑GI interventions.

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